A woman who rescued two rabbits says they "gave her her life back" after she regained the use of her paralysed hands after caring for them.

Marley-Belle Quaid from Guildford rehomed Woodstock and Wilfred who were rescued by the RSPCA.

Marley-Belle was confined to a wheelchair and unable to move her hands after a series of painful operations but had movement back in her wrists after six months.

Despite attempting physiotherapy, nothing had worked for the 32 year old.

The rabbits now have their own bedroom and a room filled with play furniture, such as hides, tunnels to simulate warrens, jumps and a hay pit, to keep them stimulated and happy.

Credit: ITV Meridian

"The first time I saw them I knew I would do whatever it took to have them in my life. They had been found dumped in woods by a woman running a race, who found them matted and neglected. One of them, Woodstock, was tangled in a bramble bush."

"The pair were rescued by the RSPCA but spent a year in foster care because no-one wanted the hard work it takes to keep them groomed and tidy. Although I had help day-to-day, I didn't know how I was going to manage doing it myself when no-one was there because of my wrists but I wanted to make it work."

"Within six months, I had full, malleable wrists, I was grooming Wilfred and Woodstock by myself on my own lap and I could use scissors again. My surgeon was quite astounded I had the use that I had with my wrists again. These bunnies were a massive part of my recovery."

"Before I had to use my wheelchair all the time, because I couldn't use my hands to grip my crutches. That meant there were shops I couldn't go into or places I couldn't get to because I needed my crutches."

"Woodstock and Wilfred have given me so much more than love, they've given me independence and freedom."

– Marley-Belle Quaid, Owner

"Marley's story is a moving example of the power of pets to really change lives. When Marley adopted Wilfred and Woodstock she gave them the chance of a loving home and a happy future but these amazing rabbits have also given Marley her own life back. We know that the wonderful people who adopt rescue animals change the lives of those animals but pets have a real impact on our own health and wellbeing too, which is why the bond between owner and pet is so special."

A man has been arrested and a firearm recovered at a property after a siege in Cranleigh near Guildford overnight.

Armed officers and dog handlers were called to a property in Elmbridge Road just before midday yesterday after concerns for a man's safety.

At around 5:30am this morning the man came to the door and was detained under the Mental Health Act.

He was then arrested after making threats to an officer.

Five properties were evacuated during the incident.

Police have said the incident is not terror-related.

Clearly this incident has had a significant impact on the local community. We apologise for the disruption caused and are grateful to the people of Cranleigh for their understanding and patience while we resolved this situation."

"Local neighbourhood officers will be visiting the area this morning to provide reassurance to the local community."